New WAFLW Side Faces Old Foe in Season OpenerWednesday, February 1, 2023 - 10:22 AM - by Mark Readings

A Grand Final re-match and a slice of history for East Perth are the features of the opening weekend of the 2023 WAFLW season. 

The countdown is on for the highly anticipated new season, with the 2023 fixtures confirmed. 

In a significant move for the WAFLW, the competition has expanded to 8 teams in 2023, with East Perth fielding a League side for the first time, joining other recent inclusions West Perth and South Fremantle. 

East Perth will play its opening match in the WAFLW against old foes West Perth at Leederville Oval on Saturday March 11, while Round 1 will also see Claremont unfurl its 2022 Premiership flag before facing East Fremantle at Revo Fitness Stadium, the venue of last year’s dramatic Grand Final. 

Other highlights of the draw include the Dhara Kerr Cup to be played in Round 3 between Swan Districts and Claremont, NAIDOC Round which will take place on May 27, and the first of two Fremantle Derbies will be played at the home of the Bulldogs in Round 7 on Saturday April 22. 

The WAFLW will also head to the regions as Claremont and Subiaco travel to Broome for a showdown in Round 13. 

WAFC Executive Manager Football Operation Scott Baker is excited by the growth of the competition. 

“Over the past four years WAFLW has been highly successful in providing a pathway for hundreds of talented female footballers across the state. 

The inclusion of East Perth this season was a logical step in the expansion process and the Royals thoroughly deserve their place in the WAFLW,” Baker said. 

Exposure for the WAFLW is another source of pride. 

“To have over 18,000 fans stream the competition last season, plus over 13,000 for Channel 7’s Grand Final coverage illustrates the interest in WAFLW and women's football is continuing to grow,” he said. 

A 16 Round Home and away season will be followed by a three-week finals series beginning on July 1, with the Premiership decider set down for the weekend of July 15/16 with the venue still to be confirmed.